Boy, has this come a long way! When I found out I was pregnant with my third baby my two older kids wore the “I’m going to be a big sister/brother” shirts. I just texted everyone her gender when we found out. Maybe I should’ve put in a bit more effort! There are tons of creative baby announcements out there now!

This spoon is a great idea if you’re in town with your parents to do your creative baby announcement. And, it’s a keepsake. From SycamoreHill on Etsy.

from SycamoreHill on Etsy

This gender reveal idea is just PRECIOUS. A fun party for everyone in a great location. Photos from Macon Photography.

Photos by Macon Photography

What about the SILLY STRING? Isn’t that always an important question in life? This pregnancy gender idea is awesome, from Lively Happenings.

From Lively Happenings

What a cute cake! This is probably what I’d like to do most because it’s CAKE. From Betty Crocker.

Hope you love all of these ideas. There are MANY more idea where these came from on our Pinterest page. Enjoy! (Oh, and if you’re looking for some cute baby birth announcements, look no further than Photo Card Cafe’!)

The last time I was preparing for an infant was about seven years ago. I mean, that’s not that long ago, but man have things changed in just a short time! I hear my parent’s generation say things like this all the time: “Well we didn’t have that for you when you were a baby. It’s a wonder we all survived.” But guess what? I’ve found myself saying something like that more and more recently. My baby is about to turn seven. SEVEN. Check out seven BIG things that have changed for moms:

1) Baby food pouches with spoon attachments

Genius! Where was this when I was out and about trying to feed a 7 month old!? There are even options for parents who make their own baby food.

2) iPad/iPhone for toddler entertainment

This is definitely the biggest change for me. The iPad has only been around since 2010. Now that my kids are bigger they love playing the iPad on long trips but when they were little this gadget wasn’t around to provide entertainment. I remember when parents first started allowing kids to play with phones and tablets as entertainment in restaurants. I overheard several onlookers talking bad about those parents. Now it’s common place. In fact, now when kids are unruly at a restaurant, their neighbors are probably thinking, “Someone give that kid a phone to play with!” Ha.

The organic niche has always been around, but never so much as in the past decade. You don’t have to use a single chemical on your baby/toddler to keep them clean, nor do you have to feed them anything with GMOs. It’s easier than ever to go all organic (but not cheaper).

7) Sophie, the teether

All the new babies I’ve seen lately have one of these – a Vulli Sophie la Girafe Teether. Definitely something you can get by without, but it’s pretty cute, and easy to grab. So trendy. Ah, I miss the olden days …

Lots of changes for parents right? I’m not trying to say any of the changes are bad….some are good in fact. What other changes have you noticed in the last decade or so? Let us know!

Something that hasn’t changed –> People love to hear about your new little one! Send affordable birth announcements to showcase your little man or precious lady. (Photo Card Cafe’ is a mommy owned small business. We still have only two owners/employees. Ourselves!)

It’s down to the wire people! Father’s Day is just around the corner. I’m sure you’ve already done your shopping….right? Whether you have or not here’s a great way to teach your kids the act of giving. Help them create a sweet “gift” for their dad or grandpa with one of these printable Father’s Day coloring sheets. Father’s of all ages will love this special treat!

Father’s Day face coloring page

I love this one! Kid’s can draw their daddy’s face on this free father’s day coloring page! Download now from Tried and True.

Father’s Day tie free coloring sheet

Free Father’s day coloring sheet and questions

This father’s day printable is super cute. Great for kid’s who are old enough to write or your could just ask your younger kids the questions and write the answers in for them. Download now from Alpha Mom.

Father’s Day Origami

Not exactly a download but I just had to add this one. My 9 year old will love making this for his dad! For instructions on making this creative Father’s Day origami card visit Alpha Mom.

An essential part of the graduation invitation process is the thank you note writing and thank you gift giving. Instead of being a tedious activity, it can be creative and fun to let your friends and family know how happy you are that they thought to send you a gift or throw you a party during such an important time in your life. Try these ideas for your thank you notes for graduation.

Take a special photo just for the thank you notes. It’s easy! A simple hand made sign makes an excellent prop. After that head over to Photo Card Cafe’ and create your unique graduation thank you notes. Photo by D.W. Johnson Studio, photographed by Lauren Vitiello.

What a great way for kids to say “thanks!” I’m going to steal this one. Best. Thank you. Ever. Just cut a slim strip of paper to write your graduation thank you message. Put that in the balloon, blow it up, and boom (no pun intended)….easy thank you note.

The end is coming … The end of the school year, that is! Are you wondering, what gift should I get a teacher? It’s time to get those teacher gift ideas squared away. From our research online and on Pinterest, you definitely don’t have to spend a ton to make a big impact with your fave teacher.

I’m going to do this one, for sure. All teachers (and most people) love Sharpies. I may add a gift card to Target, Chick-Fil-A or Starbucks. This is a cute printable and idea from Design, Wash, Rinse, Repeat.

I seriously just did this for my son’s third grade teacher’s birthday this week. It took a bit of effort to get all of the information from the students, but it was worth it. The teacher was so grateful, and it only cost about $5 total. You can choose your own questions, and bind it however you like. I did it without the money in it, but that would be cool, too! From Everything Is Pink.

I love these for teacher gift ideas. So much. My sister-in-law made a Harry Potter mug for my son, and I was hooked. This is a great idea from Glued to my Crafts. Great instructions, too.

For the fashionista teacher! This Betty Box from the Humble Thread (a Photo Card Cafe’ sister company, in the literal sense, like it’s our owner’s sister) which includes one clothing item, one accessory and one cosmetic. And, the Betty Box has FREE shipping. Anyone would love this.

Finally, what I typically do every year for all my teachers – a summer survival kit! I include almost everything below. Although, you could save some money and get the same impact with a beach towel, magazine and small sunscreen, all tied up in a bow. From Femail.

So don’t keep wondering what gift should I get a teacher? Get creative now! Best of luck looking through these teacher gifts ideas for the end of the year. Enjoy!

Who doesn’t love a rockin’ graduation party? Some of my fondest high school memories are from the themed bowling and tea parties that some great people threw for us. It can seem overwhelming, but all it takes is a little planning and some narrowed-down inspiration to create the best themed graduation party for your fave graduates. Here are a few graduation party themes ideas to get you started:

1) Luau Graduation Party

A luau graduation party is the perfect way to celebrate graduation, and a great summer party kick-off idea. Check out the fun decor, drinks, food and stationery below for an awesome luau graduation party.

Each of the ideas below for a luau themed graduation party is super cute, easy and affordable for anyone. I personally love the bacon wrapped sausage bites because BACON and SAUSAGE. If you make the grape skewers, it’s healthy, right?

2) Travel Themed Graduation Party

Oh the places you’ll go! Can’t go wrong with a travel themed graduation party. The colors and themes below are popular and fun, and easy to find online and in stores. Most students move or make a transition after graduation, so celebrate that! You could use some of our graduation quote ideas for attendees to use on the globe or within our travel graduation invitation below.

What cute photo and decor ideas! These color choices are perfect for a travel themed party, or for any graduation party, really. Showcasing photos and giving guests photo ideas is the best way to facilitate a fun party. Maybe a choice of different types of food from the area to which the graduate is moving would be appropriate? I think so. Easy, available and FUN!

3) Country Western Themed Graduation Party

A country western graduation party is an excellent party theme for the graduate who loves all things country. Guests can dress up in their boots and cowboy hats, decoration options are endless and the food can be fun, easy and delicious. Such a fun idea, and an easy way to throw an affordable party.

Um, YUM. I love the food ideas below with the biscuits and corn on the cob. And, talk about the cheap seats – bales of hay with inexpensive towels and rope provide tons of seating at a low cost, and are super cute. Make sure and always have a photo op! Kids love that. Their parents do, too.

Free printables are readily available online these days, making signage and cute water bottle covers simple to find and use. USE them. The baseball doughnuts are also a HUGE crowd pleaser. I mean, doughnuts and teenagers go hand in hand. Any party honoree would be so appreciative of a party focused on the activities they love the most.

5) The Big Bang Theory (I just had to add this one!)

Um, nerd party much? Love this show, and love this creative idea! Could go superhero, could go nerdscience – either way it’s a blast. Perfect for the physics or pre-med graduate in your life, or any party honoree that loves to learn!

What great atom cake pops, Big Bang Theory cupcakes and colorful Jenga! Such easy ideas for a creative party, and they’re all here at your fingertips. Use the perfect “POW” graduation party invitation above from Photo Card Cafe’, and start your planning today!

Looking for some graduation inspiration through words? We’ve compiled some good ones for your graduation speech, graduation toast, graduation announcement cards, and more. These are some of the best graduation quotes:

*I believe in the principle that I can make a difference in this world. It may be ever so small, but it will count for the greater good.-Gordon B. Hinckley

From She Makes a Home – one of the best graduation quotes or for anything you try to do in your life.

*Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.-Henry David Thoreau

*Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.-Albert Schweitzer

*If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.-Milton Berle

*In the game of life, when the final buzzer sounds, the only stat you carry with you is the number of assists you made. So help other people put some points on the board.-Mayor Mike Bloomberg

*It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.-E.E. Cummings

This is a saying that I try to tell my kids all of the time, because it’s so true – good or bad. Make people feel good! Post by Dump a Day best quotes.

*The most rewarding things in life are often the ones that look like they cannot be done.-Arnold Palmer

*Your families are extremely proud of you. You can’t imagine the sense of relief they are experiencing. This would be a most opportune time to ask for money.-Gary Bolding

*You must have control of the authorship of your own destiny. The pen that writes your life story must be held in your own hand.-Irene C. Kassorla

*You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.-Dr. Seuss

*You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.-John Wooden

*The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.-Eleanor Roosevelt

*Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.-Steve Jobs

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I love that last quote from Steve Jobs. And, speaking of Mr. Jobs, this speech sticks in my head from a while back, and is still helpful and relevant in anyone’s life. These ideas are great for a speech, a letter for your graduate, or custom graduation thank yous. Posted by How To Make My Blog.

I think this is super cool, and I want one for myself right now. A One Line a Day memory book that allows your graduate to write one line each day for five years so you can look back and reflect on different times of your life. SUCH a great idea.

I still have some of my purple girls tool set that I got for my 1997 graduation from a friend. What a great idea, and not something that many people think to give a girl. You never know what type of apartment collage you’ll have to hang! This one is on Amazon.

I love this idea – you can make your own! An emergency kit idea from The 36th Avenue – they say it’s for teachers and younger students, but you can change a few items here and there for your high school grad. I especially love the Target card.